Coffee filter dispensing device

ABSTRACT

A coffee filter dispenser is provided for distributing individual coffee filters. The coffee filter dispenser includes a container and a stack of interleaved coffee filters. The container has two sets of opposing walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall with an opening for dispensing coffee filters. Each coffee filter in the stack is folded to form a folded edge, a top section and a bottom section. The coffee filters are interleaved to form a stack in the container so that the top section of a first filter is positioned in the container opening, and top and bottom sections of opposing filters overlap so that removal of the first filter from the container causes the top section of a second filter to be positioned in the container opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensingindividual coffee filters.

BACKGROUND

Coffee filters are typically sold in compact, nested stacks. Removal ofa single filter from the stack may be difficult, because the filtersoften stick together resulting in removal of multiple filters that mustbe separate and returned to the stack.

It has previously been proposed to modify the coffee filters tofacilitate removal of individual filters. U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,439 toMcFarlin shows coffee filters having tabs for accessing individualfilters. U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,840 to Brooks shows coffee filters that areinterconnected along their side edges in series. The side connectionincludes perforations for separation of adjacent filters. Theinterconnected filters are folded over one another and placed in a stackwithin a dispensing box. The top filter can be accessed by pullingthrough an opening in the box and the connection with the adjoiningfilter separated along the perforations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,697 to Sarris shows a coffee filter dispenser withan ejection assembly and a telescoping shaft. A nested stack of filtersis inverted and positioned on the telescoping shaft. The shaft raisesthe inverted stack so that the ejection assembly may move an individualfilter through an opening in the dispenser.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,188 to Fay shows a filter dispenser having a filterholder and a bulb-shaped filter extractor. A filter stack is positionedin the holder and the bulb-shaped filter extractor is positioned in anopposing relationship with the stack. The extractor is coated with atacky material. The filter extractor is pushed downward to contact,temporarily adhere to and remove the top filter of the stack.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,764 to Norman shows a container for dispensingindividual coffee filters. A nested stack of filters is folded, with theends of the filters in the stack being fanned out. The folded stack ispositioned in a container to maintain the folded orientation. Individualfilters may be accessed by opening a hinge plate on the container,exposing the stack.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A coffee filter dispenser is provided for storing a plurality of coffeefilters positioned within an interior volume of a container. Thecontainer may have any number of forms, such as being defined by twosets of opposing walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall. The containerdefines an interior volume for storing the filters in a stack. Thecontainer includes a dispensing opening for dispensing the coffeefilters. Each filter in the stack is folded to form at least one sideedge, a top section and a bottom section. The filters are interleaved inthe stack, such that the bottom section of one filter is positionedbelow the top section of another filter. The top section of the(another) filter is positioned on top of the stack and adjacent thedispensing opening in the container. The top and bottom sections of theremaining filters in the stack overlap one another. Removal of theremoval of the top filter is accomplished by pulling the exposed topsection of the filter from the container. As the bottom section of theone filter frictional engages the bottom section of the top filter as itis removed, causing the top section of filter to move into position fordischarge from the container opening.

In one aspect of the dispenser, the filters have a basket shape, with agenerally circular central portion and a pleated side portionsurrounding the central portion.

In a further aspect of the dispenser, the coffee filters may be madefrom paper, cloth or a similar material. The filter thickness preferablyranges from about 150 micrometers to about 190 micrometers.

In a further aspect of the invention, the container includes a removablebottom wall, to permit access to the interior volume and to permitloading filters in the stack. The walls of the container are preferablygenerally rectangular, and the container opening is preferably oval. Thecontainer may be constructed of paper, paperboard, cardboard, plastic,metal or the like.

In a further aspect of the dispenser, a container is provided with afolded stack of coffee filters positioned therein. The container isdefined by two sets of opposing walls, a bottom wall, and a top wallforming an interior volume. The top wall of the container has an openingfor dispensing coffee filters. The plurality of filters forms a stackwithin the interior volume of the container. Each filter in the stack isfolded to form an edge, a top section, and a bottom section. The foldedfilters are interleaved to form a stack so that the top section of thefirst filter is positioned in the opening of the container and the topand bottom sections of the remaining filters overlap so that removal ofthe first filter from the container causes the top section of a secondfilter to be positioned in the container opening.

In a further aspect of the dispenser, the stack of filters is foldedalong a line generally perpendicular to the folded edges of theindividual filters in the stack.

In a further aspect of the dispenser, the walls of the container arepreferably generally square.

Further features and aspects of the contemplated invention are definedby the drawings and description below. Moreover, the foregoing summary,as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments ofthe invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should beunderstood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a coffee filter of a typecontemplated for use with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a stack of interleaved coffeefilters.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a container having the stack ofinterleaved coffee filters of FIG. 2 positioned within the interiorvolume of the container.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an alternate stack arrangement forcoffee filters positioned within a dispensing container, with a portionof the container cut away to illustrate the stack arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings where like numerals identify like elements, there isshown a plurality of coffee filters, generally designated by the numeral10. In FIG. 1, there is illustrated a basket-shaped coffee filter 10 ofthe type that is presently preferred. The basket-shaped coffee filters10 as illustrated have a generally circular central portion 12 with apleated side wall 14. Other types and shapes of coffee filters may alsobe used in conjunction with the present invention, including conical,pyramidal, or cubical filters. The filters 10 may be made of anysuitable filtering material including but not limited to paper, cloth orsimilar materials. The filters 10 may be of any suitable size including,but not limited to, filters sized for use in 4 cup or 8 to 12 cup coffeedrip-style brewing machines. The thickness of the filters preferablyranges from 150 micrometers to 190 micrometers, but may be any suitablethickness may be provided.

FIG. 2 shows a stack 16 of coffee filters in a first stacking format.Eight folded filters are shown in FIG. 2. However, the number of filtersin a stack may vary and is generally limited only by the size of thedispenser (discussed below). The coffee filters 10 are folded in halfalong a diameter 18 to form a top section 20, a bottom section 22 and afolded edge 24. The top section 20 and bottom section 22 of each foldedfilter have interior surfaces 26, 28, respectively. Each of the filters10 are interleaved in the stack 16, with the interior surface 28 of thebottom section 22 of each filter in contact with the interior surface 26of the top section 20 of the next filter in the stack 16. In addition,as shown each successive filter 10 in the stack 16 is positioned in anopposing relationship. As shown in FIG. 2 the top-most filter 30 in thestack 16 is partially unfolded for viewing purposes. The remainingfilters in the stack 16 are interleaved with one another.

It is contemplated that the position of the fold 18 and the amount ofoverlap of the filter portions 20, 22 may vary. In the stack 16 of FIG.2, each filter 10 is folded in half. A different position for the fold18 may be possible and multiple folds may be provided. It is preferredthat the bottom section 22 and top section 20 of opposing filtersoverlap sufficiently to create significant frictional contact betweenthe interior surface 28 of the bottom section 22 and the interiorsurface 26 of the top section 20.

FIG. 3 shows a folded stack 16 of filters 10 positioned within anembodiment of a dispensing container 32. The container 32 as shown isgenerally rectangular, having two sets of opposing side walls 36, abottom wall 38 and a top wall 40. The container 32 defines an interiorvolume 34 for storing the filters 10 in the defined stack 16. An opening42 is provided in the top wall 40 for dispensing the filters 10 from theinterior volume 34. The opening 42 is bridged by a sheet 43 thatincludes a slot 45, through which individual coffee filters 10 can bedispensed. The sheet 43 is fastened to the top wall 40 by any suitablemethod including, but not limited to, the application of an adhesive.The bottom wall 38 may be removable to facilitate the addition offilters 10 to the stack 16 within the interior 34.

As shown in FIG. 3, the walls are rectangular and define a generallyrectangular container shape. Other shapes for the container arepossible, including square, round, oval, etc. The container may beconstructed of any suitable material including, but not limited to,paper, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, etc. Preferably thecontainer is constructed of paperboard. The dispensing opening mayalternately be located on any of the walls. The opening is preferablyoval, but may be any shape suitable for accessing the filters within theinterior of the container. The sheet is preferably formed of flexibleplastic, but may be constructed of any suitable material including, butnot limited to, paper, cardboard, paperboard, etc.

The filters 10 in the container 32 are interleaved in the stack 16 inthe manner discussed with respect to FIG. 2. The interleavingarrangement creates friction between adjacent surfaces of the foldedfilters in the stack. The top section 26 a of the first filter 20 in thestack 16 is pulled through the slot 45 positioned in the opening 42 byits leading edge 44. As the first filter 20 is removed from the interiorvolume 34, friction between the first filter 20 and the second filter 22in the stack causes the top section 26 b of the second filter 22 to bepulled into the slot 45. Thus, the second filter is positioned in theslot for easy removal, when desired. Further, the frictionalrelationship is restricted by the slot 45, such that removal of multiplefilters is suppressed. The sheet 43 is optional. The sheet 43 serves tocover the filters 10 within the stack 16. Further, the flexibility ormovement of the sheet 43 assists in controlling the top section 26 b ofthe second filter 22 as the first filter 20 is removed. If the topfilter 20 in the stack returns back into the dispenser 32, its leadingsection 26 a can be accessed through the slot 45.

FIG. 4 shows a second dispenser embodiment. The filters 110 arecontemplated to be generally the same as in FIG. 3. The stack 116 inFIG. 4 is folded along a line 112 that is generally perpendicular to thefolded edges 118 of the filters 110. This alternate stacking arrangementallows for the filter stack 116 to be positioned within a relativelysmaller container 132. Removal of the top filter 120 is accomplished bypulling on the leading edge 144. The interleaving and opposing filters110 in the stack 116 creates a frictional relationship that pulls thetop section of the second filter 122 into the slot 145 positioned in theopening 142 as the top filter 120 is removed from the container 134. Theflexing or movement of the sheet 143 and the restricted opening of theslot 145 assist in positioning the second filter 122 in the dispensingposition after removal of the first or top filter in the stack.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A coffee filter dispenser comprising: a container having two sets ofopposing walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall forming an interiorvolume, wherein the top wall has an opening for dispensing coffeefilters; and a plurality of coffee filters forming a stack positionedwithin the interior volume of the container, wherein each coffee filteris folded forming a folded edge, a top section having an interiorsurface and a bottom section having an interior surface; and the coffeefilters are interleaved to form a stack in the container so that the topsection of a first filter is positioned in the container opening, theinterior surface of the top section of each filter is in contact withthe interior surface of the bottom section of an opposing filter, andthe top sections and bottom sections of opposing filters overlap so thatremoval of the first filter from the container causes the top section ofa second filter to be positioned in the container opening.
 2. The coffeefilter dispenser of claim 1, wherein the coffee filters comprisebasket-shaped filters having a generally circular central portion and aside portion, wherein the side portion is pleated with a generallyaccordion-like construction.
 3. The coffee filter dispenser of claim 2,wherein the bottom sections of the interleaved filters are generallyparallel to each other.
 4. The coffee filter dispenser of claim 1,wherein the coffee filters comprise paper or cloth.
 5. The coffee filterdispenser of claim 1, wherein a thickness of each coffee filter rangesfrom about 150 micrometers to about 190 micrometers.
 6. The coffeefilter dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a removablebottom wall.
 7. The coffee filter dispenser of claim 1, wherein thewalls are generally rectangular.
 8. The coffee filter dispenser of claim1, wherein the opening is generally oval.
 9. The coffee filter dispenserof claim 1, wherein the container comprises paper, cardboard, plastic,or metal.
 10. The coffee filter dispenser of claim 9, wherein thecontainer comprises cardboard.
 11. A coffee filter dispenser comprising:a container having two sets of opposing walls, a bottom wall, and a topwall forming an interior volume, wherein the top wall has an opening fordispensing coffee filters; and a plurality of coffee filters forming astack positioned within the interior volume of the container, whereineach coffee filter is folded forming a folded edge, a top section havingan interior surface and a bottom section having an interior surface; thecoffee filters are interleaved to form a stack in the container so thatthe top section of a first filter is positioned in the containeropening, the interior surface of the top section of each filter is incontact with the interior surface of the bottom section of an opposingfilter, the top sections and bottom sections of opposing filters overlapso that removal of the first filter from the container causes the topsection of a second filter to be positioned in the container opening;and the stack is folded along a line generally perpendicular to thefolded edges of the coffee filters.
 12. The coffee filter dispenser ofclaim 11, wherein the coffee filters comprise basket-shaped filtershaving a generally circular central portion and a side portion, whereinthe side portion is pleated with a generally accordion-likeconstruction.
 13. The coffee filter dispenser of claim 11, wherein thewalls of the container are generally square.
 14. A coffee filterdispenser comprising: a plurality of coffee filters positioned within astack; a container defining an outer wall and an interior volume, theinterior volume retaining the stack of filters, and a dispensing openingfor dispensing the filters from the interior volume; wherein each filterin the stack is folded to form at least one side edge, a top section anda bottom section, wherein each of the filters overlap and areinterleaved in the stack, such that the bottom section of one filter ispositioned below the top section of another filter, and wherein the topsection of a filter positioned on top of the stack and adjacent thedispensing opening in the container and removal of the top filter isaccomplished by pulling the exposed top section of the filter from thecontainer, and the frictional engagement of the bottom section of thetop filter with the top section of second filter in the stack filtercaused the second filter to move into position for discharge from thecontainer opening.
 15. A coffee filter dispenser as in claim 14, whereineach of the filters have a basket shape, with a generally circularcentral portion and a pleated side portion surrounding the centralportion.
 16. A coffee filter dispenser as in claim 14, wherein thecontainer includes a removable bottom wall, to permit access to theinterior volume and to permit loading filters in the stack.
 17. A coffeefilter dispenser as in claim 14, wherein the walls of the container aregenerally rectangular, and the container opening is oval.
 18. A coffeefilter dispenser as in claim 14, wherein the stack is folded along aline generally perpendicular to the folded side edges of the filters inthe stack.